The North Wind

Sorry for the post delay folks. There has been quite a chill in the air here in Alaska. I sent my longjohns to the dry cleaner for pressing and they still haven't come back. We'll get things back in form soon. In the meantime, there is now a new item added to the sidebar that may be of interest....

You can enter a free subscription to Buford!

I know...I know...you are all probably saying to yourself...."c'mon dude, nothing is free anymore"! As some of the locals might say, "au contraire". (Actually, locals in Paris or Quebec would say something like that.)

This is free...honest. So sign up and you'll be the first of your friends to know when the polar ice pack starts melting and other useful tidbits.

Gotta run now. I need to go to Home Depot to get replacement windows for my igloo.

Website Overhaul

Just a note to let everyone know that the Todd Katke website has been totally revamped. I have to tell you it is absolutely beautiful. The website developer, Velvet Green Creations, has transformed this site and allowed an attractive showcase for the photography.

There are several new photos now available for viewing and/or purchasing (nod, nod, wink, wink) plus there is even a link back to this little ol' blog.

If you are looking for help with your web endeavors, we highly recommend that you check with the good folks at Velvet Green Creations. Thanks to Chris & Gina Harman for all their hard work and dedication to bringing this together and helping Todd Katke share his vision.

"Snow Field"

This is a photo used in the Owl Calendar from an earlier post. Owls, as a photo subject require the photographer to have awareness of their environment. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to "find" such a great example of these mysterious birds.

The difficulty arises in needing to know their feeding habits and territory. The Arctic Owl, shown here, has little fear of man and typically does not see humans as a natural threat. So once you learn their nesting and feeding routines, they are rather easy to approach in the wild.

I have spent many hours building a portfolio of various species of owls that include Great Grey, Great Horned, Sawet, Long-earred, Barn,and Burrowing Owls. I hope to be able to post some more samples of these many unique species.

(Owl photo in the sidebar is an example of a Great Grey Owl. Thought you might be wondering....or maybe not.)

Inside Buford T. Porcupine

Todd Katke (a.k.a. Buford T. Porcupine) took a few moments recently to answer some questions that I thought might be interesting to share with you. Though busily pursuing photographs of the elusive moose and capturing photos from the Iditarod, Todd sent me these answers.

Question # 1 - When did you first discover that you had an interest in wildlife photography?

"I first became interested in wildlife/nature back in early 1983."

Question # 2 - What kind of formal training have you had in photography?

"My formal training comes from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale Florida, though for a commercial end of photography it helped me a lot in understanding photography and building my foundation and love for it. What I was able to see through the lens and let the creative side e of me flow. After that school I continued to be self taught increasing my knowledge love for my photography. Through many natural guide books , other peoples photography wildlife books. To continuing educating myself through 1 day seminars and other related classes, reading everything I could get my hands on to further my knowledge."

Question # 3 - What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career, so far, as a professional wildlife photographer?

"My most rewarding moment in my career? Being a NANPA MEMBER: North American Nature Photography Association, we promote Mentoring. I myself mentored to a young high school boy who at the time didn't even own a camera. Mentoring you offer your time and talent and teach others who might share the interest and passion in photography. My student, Ryan White, was with me for about 4 years. In that time together, he would come and stay at our house and we would go out and work together on his growing vision, creating developing his eye. Educating him in the studio through slide presentations and examples of some of my work. It also won a scholarship I voted him in for, and received it. We have also done some extensive traveling through out the U.S. together. And as a result he is now currently pursuing his education in college into a career of Photography. The greatest gift is giving back to the youth."

Question # 4 - Whom would you say has been your source of inspiration in this field? Who would you say has been your mentor?

"My greatest inspiration: Carl Sams. My mentors , there has been many. People like : Art Wolfe, Rod Planck, John Shaw, and the list goes on. Most of whom I ve all meet and had the privilege of talking to personal and meeting with every year at NANPA conventions ."

Question # 5 - What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

"Greatest advice for someone just starting out? Don't let anyone steal your dream! It will require a lot of time and effort. Discipline yourself, educate yourself through natural history guide books. Photo guide books. Pursue education through college, and photography courses. Continue to read in areas that interest you , and watch yourself grow."

Thanks Todd. I am honored to be able to share your thoughts and art with the readers of this page. Thanks also for letting me play some part in presenting the beautiful wildlife photos and for our thirty years of friendship.

ABC News: Former Iditarod Champ Goes for 5th Title

ABC News: Former Iditarod Champ Goes for 5th Title

Here's some news from one of the biggest events in Alaska. This is one long race, 1,100 miles from Anchorage to Nome.

C'mon Up and Visit Sometime

Everyone should come see Alaska at least once in their lifetime. When you think you may be planning a trip thisaway, check out USA Lodging & Hotels website.

These nice folks are currently using a few of my photos on their main Alaska page.

Once you get here, look me up. That's Buford T. Porcupine.